Applications for the 2021 Vegetable Transplant Program are now available from the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture to commercial vegetable producers.
Since 2018, this program has provided eligible commercial farmers with high-quality vegetable transplants to help increase the production and variety of produce grown in Newfoundland and Labrador, and promote higher marketable yields, as well as earlier harvest and returns.
In 2020, the Vegetable Transplant Program provided three million vegetable transplants to 65 commercial farmers, compared to 1.7 million vegetable transplants distributed to 54 commercial farmers in 2019. In 2018, 255,800 transplants were distributed to 25 farmers.
Crop varieties for 2021 include cabbage, rutabaga (turnip), broccoli, cauliflower, onion, kale, lettuce, leek and asparagus – all grown at the Centre for Agriculture and Forestry Development in Wooddale. Quantities will be determined based on farmers’ interest.
Farmers and new entrants demonstrating strong compliance with the 2020 program will be given priority for future allocations. The application deadline is February 19, 2021.
Quotes
“I have witnessed the benefits of the Vegetable Transplant Program first hand on my visits to farms in Central Newfoundland and I am pleased the department can once again offer producers the opportunity to avail of an initiative that supports efforts to increase food self-sufficiency in the province. Not all producers have access to the infrastructure required to produce transplants. This program allows transplanted crops to reach full maturity in a short growing season. It also promotes higher marketable yields, and provides a more diverse variety of produce compared to direct seeding.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
“The annual Vegetable Transplant Program has been of great benefit to Mountain View Farm. The opportunity to access strong, viable, ready-to-plant transplants has helped us expand production and improve yields by up to 40 per cent per acre. This makes a huge difference to our operations and gives us a head start on our growing season during an extremely busy time. We’re looking forward to availing of this program again, and accessing high-quality vegetable transplants in 2021.”
Kent Fudge
Mountain View Farm
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Learn more
2021 Vegetable Transplant Program Guide
2021 Vegetable Transplant Program Application
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Media contacts
Linda Skinner
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
709-637-2284, 632-8167
lindaskinner@gov.nl.ca
Kent Fudge
Mountain View Farm
709-489-2413
kentfudge1976@gmail.com